Day: December 19, 2024

A Brooklyn-based organization has announced $1.8 million in donations to 18 nonprofits working to advance racial and social justice in the borough.

The grants from Brooklyn Org will support a range of initiatives, including environmental justice, arts and culture, youth and senior services, health, housing, and immigrant support.

Most recipients will receive $45,000 annually for three years to help fund general operations.

Barry Cooper, the founder and executive director of Brothers Redefining Opportunity (B.R.O.) Experience Foundation, an organization focused on uplifting young men of color, said the grant will help his group launch a new fatherhood initiative. The Daddy and Me program aims to support new fathers ages 18 to 30 through training opportunities and cognitive behavioral therapy. 

“Brooklyn Org believes that the most effective path to addressing challenges in our communities is by giving our communities a central part to play in determining where our funding goes,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “We are thrilled to be able to support each of these organizations and the programs they have developed to deliver solutions for Brooklyn.” 

Brooklyn Org, founded in 2009, focuses on local philanthropy to promote social equity within the communities of Kings County. Over the years, Brooklyn Org has extended $125 million to local nonprofit organizations. Within the last year, Brooklyn Org distributed over $21 million in grant funding. 

Within this round of grant recipients, the nonprofits focus on a breadth of social inequity issues based on race; from gender equality in the arts with Black Trans Femmes in the Arts to the Friends and Families of the Wrongfully Convicted organization focused on criminal justice. Of the 18 recipients, 15 of the nonprofits are BIPOC-led organizations. 13 of the organizations have less than a $1 million budget, and 12 are first-time grantees. 

“[It’s] such a generous grant and we’re so grateful that Brooklyn Org. wants to invest in grassroots organizations that do organizing like we do, ” said Hannah Anousheh, campaigns director for East New York Community Land Trust

Anousheh says the grant opportunity will support the organization in keeping East York and Brownsville “deeply and permanently affordable” for residents in the area. 

For other local nonprofits that center on social justice, Brooklyn Org accepts funding applications on a rolling basis. The next grant announcement from Brooklyn Org will be expected in the spring of 2025. They announce new community grants twice a year. 

The full list of grant recipients include:  Black Trans Femmes in the Arts, The B.R.O. Experience Foundation, Bushwick Housing Independence Project, Carroll Gardens Association, East NY Community Land Trust, Expecting Relief, Fencing in the Park Inc.,  Fifth Avenue Committee,  Friends and Families of the Wrongfully Convicted, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, LiveOn NY,  May Day Space, New York Communities Organizing Fund, Inc., RaisingHealth Partners, Refugee Translation Project, Unlock NYC,  Voces Ciudadanas, and  Women’s Empowerment Coalition of NYC.

The Brooklyn Nets learned a valuable lesson against the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers at Downtown’s Barclays Center Monday night. “Fight” to the finish, or there will be “consequences”. Nets coach Jordi Fernández made that point crystal clear during the postgame presser following Brooklyn’s no-show performance in a 130-101 defeat to the Cavaliers. One day after dealing […]

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An affordable housing lottery has opened for 27 apartments in a recently completed nine-story, 89-unit development that runs along Atlantic Avenue overlooking the J subway tracks and a McDonald’s. The project, which replaced a Speedway gas station, is a boxy-looking modern building with intersecting gray and white panels and big windows.

Of the 27 studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms in the lottery for 1889 Atlantic Avenue, all income restricted and rent stabilized, 16 could be deemed somewhat affordable. Those are for families earning 80 percent of Area Median Income, with income limits set between $68,435 and $134,160 for households of one to five people, according to the listing.

Three units are studios going for $1,869 a month, five are one-bedroom apartments for $1,993, and eight are two-bedrooms that will rent for $2,375. The remaining ones in the lottery are for households earning 130 percent of AMI, or between $104,572 and $218,010 for one to five people, including six two-bedrooms priced at $3,600 a month.

Market rate rentals started leasing in July, StreetEasy shows. Among the 10 units currently listed is a studio asking $2,400 and a one-bedroom priced at $2,623.

The new building includes a gym, business center, outdoor and rooftop terraces, car and bike parking, and a shared laundry room, according to the listing. It is pet-friendly and smoke-free. Apartments have dishwashers and air conditioning. While rent includes hot water, tenants have to pay for electricity including the stove and heat.

Designed by J Frankl Architects, the apartments have white and light wood finishes and the bathrooms appear to have light stone tiles, rendering show. The units appear well lit with large windows.

The building itself is a large uniform box in shape, with intersecting panels and big windows forming a plaid-like grid across the facade. The western side, which faces the only other building on the block, a McDonald’s, doesn’t have any windows. The building’s ground floor has high ceilings and even bigger windows, making for a pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

The lot at 1889 Atlantic Avenue previously housed a Speedway gas station. As land values have soared in the borough, a number of gas stations have been razed to make way for taller and bigger buildings that take advantage of the sites’ excess FAR.

Speedway sold the property to 1885 Atlantic Realty LLC in 2021 for $4.5 million, city records show, with developer Jacob Kohn of the Jay Group behind the LLC.

The building takes advantage of New York’s Voluntary Inclusionary Housing program and will likely qualify for the now expired 421-a tax abatement, the listing says, which is why it is mandated to include the affordable units.

The 1889 Atlantic Avenue Apartments lottery closes on Jan. 22. To apply, visit the listing on New York City’s Housing Connect website.

This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn lies Restaurant Yuu, an extraordinary culinary sanctuary that redefines the very essence of dining.

At the helm of this gastronomic marvel is Chef Yuu Shimano, whose mastery in blending Japanese precision with French sophistication transforms every dish into an exquisite narrative. Dining at Restaurant Yuu is not merely a meal; it is an orchestration of art, culture, and pure culinary genius.

From the moment you enter the modern yet intimate interior, the ambiance sets the tone for an unparalleled evening. The chef’s counter serves as the focal point, inviting diners to witness the artistry and precision behind each creation. The open kitchen is a stage where Chef Yuu Shimano and his team perform a ballet of culinary excellence, bringing to life the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western traditions.

The journey begins with a dish that can only be described as life-changing: the Lobster Consommé. This ethereal creation sets the tone for an evening of culinary transcendence, its delicate flavors leaving an indelible impression.

Chef Yuu Shimano’s journey is as inspiring as the dishes he creates. Beginning at the prestigious Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka, he honed the principles of traditional Japanese cuisine. His wanderlust and passion for French gastronomy led him to the revered kitchens of La Villa Des Lys and Guy Savoy in Paris, where he perfected his craft under the guidance of Michelin-starred masters.

This rich tapestry of experiences is evident in every plate, where the precision of Japanese techniques meets the elegance of French artistry.

The menu at Restaurant Yuu is a symphony of flavors, each course carefully composed to tell a story. The Canard (No.00342) is a prime example of Chef Shimano’s genius. Featuring a numbered dry-aged duck breast paired with minced duck leg, the dish is elevated by a black pepper cognac and foie gras reduction sauce. It’s a masterpiece that embodies both technical perfection and soulful storytelling.

The uni consommé, wagyu, and brioche are equally mesmerizing, each bite a revelation of balance and ingenuity.

As the courses unfold, Chef Shimano takes diners on an emotional journey. Each dish builds upon the last, creating a crescendo of flavors and sensations that culminate in a profound sense of satisfaction. By the time you are nestled in the lounge sipping tea, you are beyond satisfied, relaxed, and glowing with satiated joy.

Restaurant Yuu’s sommelier elevates the experience further, providing pairings that are a masterclass in elegance and surprise. Every wine enhances the flavors on the plate, weaving together an intoxicating narrative that lingers long after the last sip.

And then there is Ann, the conductor of this symphony, whose warmth and sophistication bring an added layer of magic to the evening. Her passion for the food and Chef Shimano’s genius are both inspiring and humbling, leaving diners in awe of the intricate dance between creativity and precision.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening is the transition to the cozy sofa area for dessert. Here, the intimacy of the setting creates a perfect finale, as diners are treated to confections that are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the palate.

The team’s attention to detail extends beyond the meal—from the ceremonial bowing of the staff at the start of the evening to the thoughtful gesture of a personalized photograph and take-home cake; every aspect of the experience is crafted with care and reverence.

Restaurant Yuu is more than the sum of its extraordinary parts. It is a celebration of culinary artistry, cultural fusion, and human connection. Chef Shimano’s philosophy — that cuisine is an ever-evolving art form — is evident in every dish, every interaction, and every design touch within the restaurant. Each element is executed with precision, passion, and an almost spiritual dedication to perfection.

In a city teeming with culinary brilliance, Restaurant Yuu stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation. It is, without question, the best restaurant in New York. Don’t walk—run to this remarkable establishment. Immerse yourself in an experience where food, wine, and artistry converge to create memories that will last a lifetime.`

Check out yuunewyork.com/restaurantyuu for reservations.

ON THIS DAY IN 1899, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “The Children’s Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences in the Bedford Park Building on Brooklyn avenue, between Prospect and Park avenues, was opened to the public on Saturday and it will continue to be open and free to the public daily, from […]

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